Half-timepublished at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
HT: Italy 17-24 Ireland
There goes the whistle - what a half of rugby!
Summary
Ireland secure third bonus-point win to stay on course for Grand Slam
Second Mack Hansen try seals victory in tense second half in Rome
Italy pushed Ireland hard and only trailed by four points at one stage
James Ryan scored first try before Stephen Varney replied for hosts
Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki & Mack Hansen sealed bonus point in first half
Pierre Bruno cut Ireland's lead to 24-17 at half-time of entertaining game
Half-timepublished at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Converted try - Italy 17-24 Irelandpublished at 40 mins
Pierre Bruno
Pierre Bruno has looked bright throughout the first half as he picks off an intercept to run 65 metres in under the posts.
Bundee Aki tried to find Ross Byrne on a loop - brilliant read!
Substitution - Irelandpublished at 37 mins
Italy 10-24 Ireland
Finlay Bealham sadly can't carry on as Tom O’Toole does join the field.
Try - Italy 10-24 Irelandpublished at 35 mins
Mack Hansen
There is the bonus-point try, a smart tap penalty moves around the Italian forwards. Craig Casey then spirals out the pass to Stuart McCloskey who puts Mack Hansen in for an easy finish in the corner.
Ross Byrne can't add the extras.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 34 mins
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Finlay Bealham is getting heavily strapped but looks good to carry on, as replacement Tom O’Toole sits back down.
Courageous Casey!published at 14:55 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio UlsterHe is certainly courageous for a little guy, that's for sure. Pound for pound, he's right in there for the fight!
Substitution - Italypublished at 31 mins
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Giacomo Nicotera is off for a HIA as Luca Bigi joins the field.
Postpublished at 30 mins
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Niccolo Cannone holds his ground as Craig Casey runs into the big second row.
Nothing more in it than a penalty, as Ireland pop the ball into the corner.
Postpublished at 27 mins
Italy 10-19 Ireland
A few scrum resets as this game starts to slow down. Italy win a penalty and send it deep into the Ireland 22.
I needed that!
'Aki is on fire'published at 14:44 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio UlsterHis stamp is all over this game already. Brilliantly taken by Aki. He is on fire! This is breath-taking stuff we are witnessing.
Both sides showing 'boldness and enterprise'published at 14:43 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 10-19 Ireland
Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio UlsterThe boldness and enterprise! You talk about end to end, this is literally the original in that respect.
Converted try - Italy 10-19 Irelandpublished at 20 mins
Bundee Aki
Ireland execute the basics perfectly, as sharp hands from Josh van der Flier and a no-look pass from James Lowe sends Bundee Aki over in the corner.
Great conversion from Ross Byrne - who looks at home in the 10 jersey.
Image source, Getty ImagesPenalty - Italy 10-12 Irelandpublished at 18 mins
Paolo Garbisi
Paolo Garbisi knocks over a fairly routine penalty but it is much deserved. Nothing between the sides so far.
'What a reply!'published at 14:36 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 7-12 Ireland
Jim Neilly
BBC Radio Ulster commentatorWhat a reply that was. It was made to look all very simple with the initial thrust by the mortar bomb that is Bundee Aki!
Converted try - Italy 7-12 Irelandpublished at 13 mins
Hugo Keenan
Against the run of play but Bundee Aki again instrumental with good work by Ross Byrne. Hugo Keenan collects the pass from Aki and rides the tackle to run in under the posts.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 14:31 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 7-5 Ireland
Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Stadio OlimpicoWhat a response by the Italians.
Andy Farrell will not be pleased about how Ireland looked at the restart there.
This stadium has come alive again (it was absolutely crackling for the Italian national anthem).
This is clearly a different Italian beast - and they're showing exactly what they can do.
Postpublished at 10 mins
Italy 7-5 Ireland
Lorenzo Cannone again breaks away deep into the Irish 22 but Andrew Porter steals the ball back for Ireland.
Paolo Garbisi is changing this Italy attack already.
Postpublished at 14:30 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 7-5 Ireland
Tony Ward
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio UlsterA fantastic return by the Italians. Ireland will be particularly disappointed from the restart. What a start to the game! Absolutely superb start to the game, on both sides.
Converted try - Italy 7-5 Irelandpublished at 7 mins
Stephen Varney
Italy have started this one really well. Lorenzo Cannone goes charging towards the Ireland line before a quick pick and go from Stephen Varney.
Very good execution from the Italians.
Image source, PA MediaPostpublished at 14:24 Greenwich Mean Time 25 February 2023
Italy 0-5 Ireland
Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Stadio OlimpicoWell, James Lowe was denied but captain James Ryan wasn't!
Ireland sense blood early on here and look determined to get the job done with ruthless efficiency.
Ross Byrne didn't quite land his conversion - his kicking in the warm-up looked bang-on - but it's still a cracking start from the world's number one side.